The best walks and hikes in the West Elk Mountains
4.7
(47)
746
hikers
38
hikes
Want to go hiking in the West Elk Mountains? In this guide, we’ve reviewed our full collection of hikes and walking routes in the West Elk Mountains to bring you the best hiking routes in the region. To see which of our walks in the West Elk Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikers—and see what they had to say about each walk.
Last updated: October 29, 2025
4.3
(8)
107
hikers
Quiet loop through golden aspens to dramatic overlooks of the roaring Gunnison River below.
Easy
5.0
(6)
99
hikers
Easy nature trail through high desert to dramatic overlook above the Black Canyon's depths.
Easy
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3.8
(4)
52
hikers
3. North Vista Trail — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
11.0km
03:23
410m
410m
Rim trail through pinyon forest to Exclamation Point's dramatic views 1800 feet above the Gunnison River.
Intermediate
3.8
(4)
52
hikers
Desert rim trail to Exclamation Point overlook and Green Mountain summit above Colorado's dramatic Black Canyon.
Intermediate
4.3
(3)
44
hikers
Peaceful forest loop away from crowds, returning via canyon rim for wildlife and solitude.
Intermediate
5.0
(1)
38
hikers
6. Curecanti Creek Trail — Curecanti National Recreation Area
6.43km
02:08
300m
310m
Dramatic canyon descent following cascading Curecanti Creek to the towering granite Curecanti Needle.
Intermediate
5.0
(3)
26
hikers
7. Dillon Pinnacles Trail — Curecanti National Recreation Area
6.18km
01:44
120m
120m
Desert trail to towering volcanic spires rising dramatically above Blue Mesa Reservoir's waters.
Easy
14
hikers
8. Gunnison Route — South Rim — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
3.24km
02:15
530m
530m
Rugged descent via chains and cairns to camp beside the Gunnison River in cathedral-like canyon solitude.
Intermediate
19
hikers
9. Warner Point Nature Trail – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
7.61km
05:12
880m
880m
Steep descent from canyon rim to secluded riverside camp along Colorado's dramatic Black Canyon.
Expert
19
hikers
10. Warner Route — South Rim — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
7.35km
05:03
850m
850m
Steep scramble through Douglas fir forests to secluded Gunnison River camping in dramatic canyon depths.
Expert
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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